's highest. but closing loopholes that helped google, for instance, avoid $2 billion in taxes last year. >> corporations are a little concerned. >> reporter: gary is optimistic about a deal. >> i'd still rate it better than 50/50. >> reporter: what seems increasingly likely is to allow the country to go over that fiscal cliff, triggering higher taxes. that would allow hard line republicans to vote for lower taxes, a few days later. >> to make them look better? to appease voters. if that's the reason, great. >> reporter: some call it a low form of political shenanigans. >> i think that's horrible, they would put the american people through that. i don't think it's fair to the american people. >> reporter: this afternoon, east bay congresswoman barbara lee told me, there are too many lives at stake if we do not get a deal before the end of the year. john fowler, ktvu, channel 2 news. >>> starbucks is urging its employees in the washington area to send a message to congress. baristas will be writing come together on coffee cups for the rest of the workweek. ceo howard schultz says he want
